Every Julia Roberts Performance, Ranked

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This list first appeared on November 21, 2017, and has been updated to include Julia Roberts‘ films released since then, up to and including her newest movie, *After the Hunt*.

For those who grew up in the 1990s, Julia Roberts wasn’t just a famous actress – she felt like a constant presence in life. Starting with her breakout role in *Pretty Woman* in 1990 and continuing into the early 2000s (when she slowed down her career to focus on her family), she heavily influenced popular culture. Even when her films weren’t successful, people still felt invested in what happened with her career.

Julia Roberts’ immense popularity is deserved. While actors need talent, it’s not what truly makes them stars. Instead, it’s the few things everyone recognizes them for – the qualities that define how they come across. And Julia Roberts possesses an extraordinary amount of this ‘presence’ – more than most actors. It’s not just her famous smile and laugh, but also her sharp timing and genuine warmth, creating the feeling that you’re watching a kind and real person on screen.

Being famous can be tricky. While Julia Roberts became a highly respected actress, she often found herself typecast. This led to a lot of roles where she essentially played versions of herself – a trend you could call a niche within a niche genre of movies.

Julia Roberts has an impressive body of work – surprisingly strong for many viewers. Here’s a ranking of all her movies.

48.
Mother’s Day (2016)

The movie starts with a thud. Julia Roberts, wearing a ridiculous wig, plays a well-known shopping channel host in this silly and often insulting comedy. It follows a group of Atlanta mothers and feels like a less clever, more offensive sequel to director Garry Marshall’s previous films, *Valentine’s Day* and *New Year’s Eve*. Roberts likely took the role as a personal favor to Marshall, who directed her in the hit *Pretty Woman* that launched her career, or perhaps for other, less flattering reasons.

47.
Valentine’s Day (2010)

The film features genuinely problematic content. When it was released, Garry Marshall’s ensemble romantic comedy, which follows multiple couples and individuals on Valentine’s Day, was often compared to *Love, Actually* due to its similar style. However, it quickly became apparent that Marshall envisioned a series of these holiday-themed romantic comedies. Julia Roberts plays a somewhat intriguing, though underdeveloped, character – a soldier on leave who sits next to Bradley Cooper on a plane. Notably, the film includes several references to *Pretty Woman*, which are both interesting and rather poignant.

46.
Blood Red (1989)

Julia Roberts has very few lines and limited screen time in this wildly exaggerated story about Sicilian immigrants in America, a film that starred her brother, Eric, who was already a well-known actor. She mostly expresses herself through smiles, thoughtful looks, and dancing. Made early in her career—though not released for several years—this role is very different from the performances she became famous for. She largely fades into the background of the film.

45.
Fireflies in the Garden (2011)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=73_AYUPNLN8

It’s funny how lists celebrating great actors often begin with their worst films. This family drama is strangely both simple and overly complicated, and even an earlier cut wasn’t very good. Ryan Reynolds plays a writer who returns home for his mother (Roberts) to finally receive her degree, but she tragically dies in a car accident soon after. The film explores memories and old grudges, aiming for emotional impact, but it doesn’t feel genuine. Roberts doesn’t have much to do, and when she appears, she’s mostly limited to portraying a stereotypical, overly-caring mother, making it clear her talent is being underused.

44.
Grand Champion (2005)

This feel-good movie about a widowed mother and her children raising a champion steer was filmed by Julia Roberts’ husband, Danny Moder. Her niece, Emma Roberts, also stars, which is likely why Julia makes a very short appearance as a pregnant ticket seller at a livestock show, sharing just a few lines of dialogue. While her cameo adds a touch of star power and familiarity, it ultimately highlights the film’s overall weaknesses – much of her performance is already revealed in the trailer.

43.
Leave the World Behind (2023)

Sam Esmail’s film, based on Rumaan Alam’s novel, feels flat and doesn’t quite come together. It centers on two families who unexpectedly find themselves together at a country house near New York City while an unexplained disaster unfolds. Initially, Roberts’s character, a frustrated wife and mother who admits she dislikes people, seems like it could offer a sharp look at wealth and distrust. However, all the characters are poorly developed, feeling more like concepts than real people. Esmail appears more interested in showcasing stylish apocalyptic scenarios than in building compelling characters. Despite a talented cast – including Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, and Myha’la Herrold – they aren’t given enough substance to truly shine.

42.
Satisfaction (1988)

This movie, featuring Justine Bateman, Liam Neeson, Trini Alvarado, and Julia Roberts in a story about an all-female band with one male member, had a lot of potential but ultimately falls flat. It follows the predictable rise and fall of a garage band, hitting all the familiar rock-movie tropes without ever truly finding its footing. While Julia Roberts delivers an energetic performance as the band’s fun-loving bassist, her character’s story isn’t fully developed.

41.
Michael Collins (1996)

It’s difficult to say, but Julia Roberts gives one of her weakest performances in this film by Neil Jordan. The movie, an ambitious biography of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins, feels overly dramatic and rushed – everyone seems to be performing at an extremely high pitch, as if afraid of losing the audience’s attention. As Kitty Kiernan, caught between the affections of Collins (Liam Neeson) and Harry Boland (Aidan Quinn), Roberts feels lost. While the rest of the cast overacts, she underplays her role, seemingly understanding the need for subtlety but not quite knowing how to achieve it. Sadly, her attempt at an Irish accent is also unsuccessful. At least she had something to do in the movie *Mary Reilly*.

40.
Ready to Wear (1994)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ENrpGFroUbw

Robert Altman, fresh off another career resurgence, unfortunately stumbled again with this lackluster and sprawling satire of the fashion industry. The film features actors Julian Roberts and Tim Robbins as American journalists in Paris who, after losing their luggage and arguing over a hotel room, unexpectedly end up in a romantic relationship. However, their storyline feels pointless and lacks spark, leading one to suspect it was included simply to help fund the movie.

39.
America’s Sweethearts (2001)

This comedy wasn’t very good. It starred Billy Crystal as a publicist dealing with the messy breakup of movie stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and John Cusack, all while trying to save their failing film. However, the movie was *actually* about Zeta-Jones’s shy sister, Julia Roberts, finding her confidence. That’s where the problem lies – Julia Roberts is a naturally charismatic star, and it’s difficult to believe she’s ever been overshadowed by anyone, especially not in 2001.

38.
Ben Is Back (2018)

Peter Hedges’s film begins with a hopeful premise: a young man recovering from addiction (Lucas Hedges) unexpectedly returns home, and his mother (Julia Roberts) struggles with a mix of support and concern. However, the movie slowly reveals details about the past in a frustratingly slow manner, which ultimately weakens the emotional impact. As the story shifts towards a suspenseful search for the son over a single night, Roberts tries to make her character believable, but the limited information hinders her performance.

37.
Flatliners (2017)

This movie just doesn’t work, despite its attempts at flashy style. Director Joel Schumacher presents a story about medical students who intentionally stop their hearts to experience death, then get revived – supposedly to understand it better. While the actors clearly know how silly it is and play it up, it falls flat. The film aims for a cool, trashy vibe, but ends up just being messy and bad. Emma Roberts, playing one of the serious medical students involved in this dangerous experiment, manages to deliver a decent performance and is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise failed film.

36.
I Love Trouble (1994)

Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte reportedly clashed during filming of this romantic comedy, written by Nancy Meyers. The story follows two competitive Chicago reporters who team up to investigate a strange conspiracy involving cattle hormones. Their real-life friction is noticeable on screen, and surprisingly adds to the dynamic between Roberts’ eager young reporter and Nolte’s cynical, experienced colleague. However, the movie is too long and ultimately loses momentum, dragging towards a drawn-out ending despite a promising start.

35.
Mary Reilly (1996)

This film, made when Julia Roberts was a major star, was a risky attempt at a darker, more dramatic role. It tells the classic Jekyll and Hyde story through the eyes of the doctor’s Irish maid, who slowly uncovers his secret. Unfortunately, it nearly derailed Roberts’s career. Stephen Frears’s Gothic drama is enjoyable enough, with a gloomy atmosphere and John Malkovich clearly relishing his over-the-top performance. Roberts herself isn’t bad, effectively portraying her character’s anxiety and fear, though her Irish accent is noticeably off. The film also doesn’t help her much by giving her a largely passive role. It’s interesting that this was seen as a serious acting showcase, while a film like *Steel Magnolias* wasn’t.

34.
Dying Young (1991)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=qTPbD194J-Y

Joel Schumacher’s latest sentimental drama begins as the story of a man battling leukemia, but quickly feels like a rehash of *Pretty Woman*. Julia Roberts plays a newly separated, stylish woman who responds to a caregiver ad and finds herself looking after a wealthy, but despondent, Campbell Scott. He’s lost his will to live, but she inspires him to fall in love – and she falls for him too. Schumacher relies heavily on emotional manipulation – he rarely holds back – which ironically weakens the impact of the film’s heartfelt moments. However, Roberts delivers a nuanced and sensitive performance, portraying a character who experiences everything from disgust to attraction, heartbreak, and ultimately, resilience.

33.
Hook (1991)

Julia Roberts, known for her short pixie haircut, played a remarkably cheerful Tinkerbell in Steven Spielberg’s *Hook*, a sequel to *Peter Pan* that wasn’t well-received by critics. While her relentlessly upbeat portrayal could have been irritating, it was hard not to notice her complete dedication to Peter Pan, now an adult played by Robin Williams. *Hook* is an odd film – overly long, yes, but also surprisingly emotional and clearly very meaningful to Spielberg. When the movie hits those heartfelt notes, Roberts’s energetic fairy is genuinely touching.

32.
Closer (2004)

I have to admit, when I first heard Mike Nichols was adapting Patrick Marber’s play with Julia Roberts in the cast, I was skeptical. The play is so sharp, so brutally honest – it didn’t immediately scream ‘Julia Roberts movie.’ It’s a world of carefully constructed encounters and betrayals, and I wondered how her typically effervescent energy would fit. But honestly? She surprised me. While surrounded by incredibly talented actors – Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen (who both earned Oscar nods) – Roberts delivers the strongest performance, and she does it by *not* overplaying things. In a film filled with deeply flawed, almost monstrous characters, her restraint actually elicits a bit of sympathy – something I didn’t feel for many of the others. It’s a fascinating choice, and it really works.

31.
Full Frontal (2002)

You know, Julia Roberts became a huge star so young, and she *is* the classic Movie Star, that it’s almost weird how many of her films end up being about… well, Julia Roberts. A lot of these are directed by Steven Soderbergh, and this one, shot quickly with digital video and mostly made up as they went along, was clearly meant to be a fun, low-pressure project. Soderbergh wanted everyone to have a good time, but I’m not sure it quite lands. Roberts is clearly winking at her own public persona, playing an actress *within* a movie about journalists falling in love while uncovering a conspiracy – a clever nod to *The Pelican Brief*, actually. But honestly? The film’s washed-out visuals and hyperactive energy made it feel a little exhausting to watch. It’s not bad, but it’s not exactly a blast.

30.
Money Monster (2016)

Jodie Foster’s film is a darkly comedic thriller starring George Clooney as a charismatic but reckless financial TV personality. His enthusiastic promotion of a particular stock leads to financial ruin for one viewer, Jack O’Connell, who then takes Clooney’s character hostage on live television. Julia Roberts plays Clooney’s producer, forced to make critical decisions from the control room while trying to protect her star. Though the film’s overall style shifts frequently, the natural chemistry between Roberts and Clooney provides a strong anchor, moving from playful conversation to increasingly strained interactions. While the plot isn’t particularly original, the actors make it believable.

29.
Runaway Bride (1999)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Ay8QC6tL7k0

This predictable romantic comedy brought back the team behind *Pretty Woman* – Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and director Garry Marshall – and was a big hit in theaters, though it doesn’t quite leave you feeling good. The story revolves around Roberts’ character, a woman who repeatedly leaves her fiancés at the altar, and Gere’s role as a cynical journalist who, naturally, falls for her while trying to uncover her story. While the premise has potential for classic screwball comedy, it’s presented in a overly sentimental way with a very familiar plot and characters that lack depth. The electric chemistry Roberts and Gere had in *Pretty Woman* is missing, but Roberts still manages to be charming, likely contributing to the film’s success. It almost feels like an early version of a Julia Roberts ‘playing herself’ role, as she seemed to connect with the character on a personal level.

28.
Eat Pray Love (2010)

This film, loosely based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, follows a writer traveling the world after a difficult divorce, hoping to rediscover her purpose and zest for life. While Julia Roberts isn’t a natural fit for the role – she’s a major star playing someone who deliberately steps back from the spotlight – her presence was essential to getting the movie made. The story focuses more on the people she meets – notably James Franco, Richard Jenkins, and Javier Bardem – than on her own journey. Though the film doesn’t fully connect on an emotional level and feels somewhat like a standard TV show, Roberts’ selfless performance allows for occasional moments of genuine feeling.

27.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

Woody Allen surprisingly directed a genuinely good musical film. The songs, intentionally a bit clumsy in their performance, gave it a unique, thought-provoking style reminiscent of Bertolt Brecht. The story loosely follows an American woman (Roberts) in Venice who is pursued by a melancholy, divorced Woody Allen, who isn’t entirely upfront about his intentions. While the film once felt lighthearted, some scenes now come across as unsettling. However, Julia Roberts is captivating, even though her role doesn’t require a huge range of acting.

26.
August: Osage County (2013)

Despite the praise, this movie is surprisingly bad – a loud and uninspired adaptation of a brilliant play about a troubled family brought together by tragedy. A major problem is Meryl Streep’s over-the-top performance as the harsh and blunt mother. Julia Roberts plays her daughter, who constantly clashes with her mom but starts to see herself becoming just like her. Roberts is a bright spot in an otherwise weak film – free from the constraints of the stage, she delivers a natural and relatable performance that makes you root for her character. (Perhaps that’s why she received an Oscar nomination, though Streep was also nominated.)

25.
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2003)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oqBWx58n1Yk

I have to say, Julia Roberts is perfectly cast as this enigmatic character – it’s very much *her*, but playing against type as a secretive agent. The movie itself is a really clever, quirky biopic about the host of *The Gong Show*, Chuck Barris, and the wild rumor that he was also a CIA hitman. It’s written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by George Clooney, so you can expect a mind-bending, layered story that plays with what’s real and what isn’t. Honestly, it sometimes feels like the actors are a little trapped by all the cleverness, like they’re not having much fun, though that might be intentional. But Roberts is fantastic – she intentionally plays a pretty simple character, and the fact that it’s *Julia Roberts* playing her adds this whole extra, self-aware layer. It’s like, here she is, being Julia Roberts again, but in this totally unexpected context.

24.
The Player (1992)

Towards the end of Robert Altman’s sharp satire of Hollywood, Julia Roberts makes a quick cameo as herself, appearing in a film-within-a-film about a woman facing execution. While seemingly a minor part, it’s actually key to the movie’s point: even the most meaningful intentions in the film industry are diminished by the pursuit of fame and money. The implication is that simply *having* Julia Roberts in the movie cheapens it. This moment felt like a potential start to a trend of actors playing themselves. At the very least, it showed Roberts was willing to poke fun at her own public image, which was especially interesting since she was actively trying to take on more challenging, dramatic roles at the time.

23.
Conspiracy Theory (1997)

Despite being a bit over-the-top, this paranoid thriller has a good connection between Roberts and Mel Gibson. He plays a quirky New York taxi driver constantly sharing wild theories, while she’s a Justice Department lawyer who politely dismisses him. Of course, they soon find themselves caught up in a dangerous conspiracy – exactly what he’d been predicting! The film really showcases its stars; Gibson convincingly portrays a fast-talking eccentric – before his public image changed – and Roberts is her usual graceful, beautiful self. It’s a movie built around their charisma.

22.
Larry Crowne (2011)

Tom Hanks directs and stars in this funny and heartwarming story about a man who loses his job at a big box store and decides to go to community college. Julia Roberts plays a cynical, somewhat troubled teacher in his class, aptly named “The Art of Informal Remarks,” reflecting the down-to-earth setting and characters. Though married to a unlikeable Bryan Cranston, she shares a connection with Hanks’ character. While the romantic subplot isn’t essential and the movie feels a bit long and wanders at times, Julia Roberts is captivating as someone constantly frustrated with life. As critic David Edelstein noted, her reaction to seeing only nine students in her first class – one less than required – perfectly captures the relief of someone who’d rather avoid people, especially when hungover.

21.
The Mexican (2001)

Brad Pitt plays a clumsy mobster sent on a mission to Mexico to recover a valuable, legendary pistol. Julia Roberts is his girlfriend, who breaks up with him when she learns about the dangerous job. The film, a quirky action-comedy-romance directed by Gore Verbinski, follows both of their separate paths. Pitt embarks on a wild and unpredictable journey, while Roberts finds an unexpected connection with a thoughtful assassin played by James Gandolfini, transforming from an angry ex to someone more thoughtful and self-aware. Gandolfini truly shines in the movie, and Roberts’ scenes are marked by her honest reactions. The romance between Pitt and Roberts feels forced and lacks spark – they’re kept apart for much of the film in hopes of a big reunion, but there’s little chemistry. In fact, the movie would have been better focused solely on the connection between Roberts and Gandolfini.

20.
After the Hunt (2025)

Julia Roberts delivers one of her strongest performances in years as Alma Imhoff, a Yale philosophy professor torn between two conflicting figures: a charming colleague (played by Andrew Garfield), with whom she has a complex relationship, and a graduate student (Ayo Edebiri) who accuses him of assault. While Luca Guadagnino’s film isn’t entirely seamless or as profound as it aims to be, Roberts anchors the story. Her performance is subtly powerful; Alma is tightly wound and reserved, appearing on the verge of breaking down. Roberts conveys Alma’s inner turmoil through nuanced physical acting—gestures, movements, and looks—rather than grand emotional displays. Alma struggles to choose a side, questioning both individuals, hesitant to join a rush to judgment, and haunted by her own difficult history. It’s a compelling showcase of Roberts’ talent when given strong material and a skilled director.

19.
Wonder (2017)

It’s no surprise that Roberts approaches her role as a mother to a child with a craniofacial disorder with great care – she wouldn’t have taken on the part otherwise. What truly elevates her performance, though, is the nuanced addition of fear, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed. While deeply devoted to her son, almost to a detriment, her character fails to notice the issues developing around her. It’s a realistic and insightful portrayal of how parenthood can take over someone’s life, and the struggle of learning to step back. Roberts delivers this with subtlety and grace, avoiding the overly sentimental approach the film could have easily taken.

18.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)

Julia Roberts, known as the queen of romantic comedies, returned to the genre in this 2022 film, teaming up with George Clooney. They play a divorced couple who try to talk their daughter out of abruptly changing her life – and moving to Bali with a man she just met. The movie shares some similarities with *My Best Friend’s Wedding* – Roberts again finds herself at a wedding she wants to stop – but the real highlight is the playful chemistry between Roberts and Clooney. They argue and stumble through funny situations, eventually finding their way back to each other. This film isn’t as fast-paced or over-the-top as some of Roberts’ earlier rom-coms. Instead, it’s a gentle and relaxed story that feels right for characters at this stage in their lives. It’s clear Roberts and Clooney had a blast making it, and their energy is contagious.

17.
Secret in Their Eyes (2015)

Despite being a remake of an acclaimed foreign film, this drama wasn’t successful when it came out, though Julia Roberts delivered a strong performance. She plays a Los Angeles district attorney investigator whose teenage daughter is tragically attacked and killed, and her quest for revenge drives much of the narrative. The story mainly follows Chiwetel Ejiofor, a fellow investigator, as he hunts down the perpetrator and develops a connection with Nicole Kidman, an assistant DA. However, Roberts’ incredibly powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of grief is essential to understanding where the film ultimately goes.

16.
The Pelican Brief (1993)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=N7seUNbY1_w

In Alan J. Pakula’s film adaptation of John Grisham’s popular legal thriller, Julia Roberts plays a law student who stumbles upon a major government conspiracy. The movie is a captivating suspense story, and Roberts does a great job of drawing the audience in, even though the plot is complex. The strongest part of the film, however, is the connection between Roberts and Denzel Washington, who plays a world-weary Washington D.C. reporter who becomes intrigued by her case and finds himself falling for her.

15.
Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Steven Soderbergh’s second *Ocean’s* film, a lighthearted and playfully illogical sequel to his 2001 hit, is arguably the strongest in the trilogy. It doesn’t take itself as seriously as the other films, and Julia Roberts perfectly captures this spirit. The memorable museum scene, where she pretends to be herself and is recognized by Bruce Willis (playing a version of himself), exemplifies this. While the role doesn’t demand extensive acting, Roberts’ appearance adds an interesting layer to her ongoing exploration of her own fame.

14.
Mirror Mirror (2012)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ILDeA7AqA84

This retelling of Snow White truly shines thanks to director Tarsem Singh’s incredible and imaginative visuals – every scene is beautiful. Julia Roberts also delivers a fantastic performance as the Evil Queen, looking stunning in the otherworldly costumes designed by Eiko Ishioka. She clearly enjoys playing such a dramatic and over-the-top character, and it’s a role that demands a captivating movie star who can both command attention and have fun. Ultimately, this film proves Julia Roberts should play more villains!

13.
Sleeping With the Enemy (1991)

Julia Roberts stars as a woman escaping her controlling and abusive husband, Patrick Bergin. She fakes her own death in a boating accident and starts a new life in a small town, hoping to remain hidden. While the film wasn’t critically acclaimed when it was released – reviews were mixed despite its box office success, proving Roberts’s star power – revisiting it now highlights how powerfully she portrays her character’s emotional pain and struggle to heal. This is especially evident in scenes where she reacts to the well-meaning but unsettling attention of a man who shows interest in her. Though the movie follows a familiar formula and has a dramatic conclusion, Roberts’s haunting performance adds depth and complexity to the story.

12.
Something to Talk About (1995)

When this movie came out, it was promoted as a lighthearted comedy about a couple getting back together after a rough patch – Dennis Quaid and Roberts playing a husband and wife who’d grown apart. However, it’s actually a much more complex and somber film. If you look past the sillier moments – like when Roberts publicly exposes the town’s secrets after finding out about her husband’s affair – you’ll find a story about how hard it is to regain trust and how traditional home life can stifle a woman’s ambitions. The movie jumps around in tone – it’s funny, dramatic, romantic, anti-romantic, and even a bit over-the-top – but Roberts manages to capture all those different feelings beautifully.

11.
Stepmom (1998)

This heartwarming drama centers on a divorced mother, played by Susan Sarandon, whose tense relationship with her ex-husband’s new, younger girlfriend takes an unexpected turn when she receives a cancer diagnosis. Both actresses deliver strong performances, adding nuance to what could have been a simple story. While Sarandon’s role as the initially critical older woman is more outwardly dramatic, Julia Roberts quietly shines as a successful photographer struggling to connect with her stepchildren. Roberts beautifully portrays the contrast between her character’s professional confidence and her vulnerability as a new mother, culminating in a particularly moving scene where she expresses her fears about the future.

10.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Steven Soderbergh’s remake of the classic heist film is a significant improvement over the original, which was mostly just silly fun. This version pays attention to details like why characters act the way they do and how they interact during the elaborate Las Vegas robbery. Despite being a lighthearted and enjoyable movie, it really shines because of the witty and quick-paced banter between Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts), who now seems to be involved with Ocean’s rival (Andy Garcia). Unlike many films, this one doesn’t try to criticize Tess’s choices; instead, she’s a strong and engaging character who understands Danny better than anyone, making her a pleasure to watch.

9.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=p-XR3cMPd5I

I have to admit, when *Mona Lisa Smile* first came out, it got a really unfair rap. Everyone called it a copycat of *Dead Poets Society*, just with a female lead. But revisiting it now, it’s actually held up surprisingly well. Julia Roberts is fantastic – she plays this art teacher at Wellesley who’s trying to open her students’ minds, showing them there’s life beyond just getting married. She’s wonderfully subtle, you can really feel her quiet frustration with the stuffy school and the expectations of the time, but also her genuine care for these young women, even the really sharp-tongued Kirsten Dunst who constantly challenges her. And the cast! It’s packed with people who were stars then, and became even bigger stars since – Dominic West, John Slattery… it’s amazing. It was a real blow when the movie flopped in 2003, especially considering Roberts was paid a huge $25 million for it. Okay, it’s a bit predictable and plays it safe, but honestly, it deserved a lot more love than it got.

8.
Mystic Pizza (1988)

This charming romantic comedy centers around three waitresses at a pizza place in Mystic, all searching for love. Julia Roberts plays the lively and spirited one who finds herself attracted to a wealthy and reserved man (Adam Storke). While the contrast between them has potential, the movie focuses more on Roberts’ character, and the men often fade into the background. The film’s real heart lies in the close and supportive friendship between the three women.

7.
Pretty Woman (1990)

Here’s the deal: *Pretty Woman* is the movie that launched Julia Roberts to superstardom – a romantic comedy about a kindhearted sex worker and her fast-paced romance with a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere. It’s surprising that, even after decades of success and numerous acclaimed films, this is still the movie many people associate with Roberts. That’s a testament to her incredibly charming performance – especially that laugh – and the undeniable chemistry she shared with Gere. However, looking back, the movie feels a little uncomfortable. It’s clear it originally started as a much more serious and gritty story that was later softened into a lighthearted rom-com. You can still see traces of that darker origin, which highlight how overly sweet the script sometimes is. But that doesn’t reflect on Roberts at all; she brings a genuine energy that’s anything but cloying. If *Pretty Woman* was the film that introduced her to the world, then so be it.

6.
Steel Magnolias (1989)

Julia Roberts received her first Oscar nomination for this heartwarming film about the lives of women across generations in a small Louisiana town, all connected through a local beauty salon owned by Dolly Parton. Roberts shines as a spirited young woman fighting to overcome a controlling mother (Sally Field) and a serious illness. While the movie is famous – and contains a major spoiler – for Roberts’s character’s death, her absence is powerfully felt in the final scenes, highlighting how vibrant she was throughout the film. However, many believe Sally Field was more deserving of the Oscar nomination, and even the win, due to her incredibly moving and devastating portrayal of grief at the film’s conclusion – a truly unforgettable performance.

5.
Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=wJmIEj-uVYk

Julia Roberts shines in Mike Nichols’s witty and fact-based film about a fascinating true story. She plays a clever and charming Texas socialite who cleverly influenced Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) to secretly support Afghan fighters in the 1980s. Roberts clearly enjoys delivering the sharp, clever lines written by Aaron Sorkin, though Philip Seymour Hoffman is particularly memorable as a dynamic CIA operative. This film marked Roberts’s return to leading roles after focusing on smaller parts and voice work, and it’s a pleasure to see her in such a substantial role, even if the movie occasionally feels a bit superficial.

4.
Duplicity (2009)

Tony Gilroy’s slick and clever romantic thriller boasts captivating performances from Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. They play former lovers and seasoned spies – she from the CIA, he from MI6 – who now work as corporate spies, leading to a web of double-crosses and betrayals. Despite all the backstabbing, the film is consistently entertaining thanks to Gilroy’s skillful direction and the charming leads. Roberts and Owen seem to relish not only the snappy dialogue but also the perfectly executed moments of silence. Notably, the female character is just as cunning and enjoys the game as much as her male counterpart. As Roger Ebert observed, both actors evoke the classic charisma of Cary Grant.

3.
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

This romantic comedy marked something of a return for Julia Roberts, after she briefly tried, and didn’t quite succeed with, more dramatic roles in the mid-1990s. However, that experience wasn’t wasted, as she brings a remarkable commitment to this clever story about a determined food writer who tries to sabotage her best friend’s wedding to Cameron Diaz. Roberts is wonderfully mischievous, energetic, and appealing, and she also gets to show off her comedic timing. Importantly, she makes the character’s motivations believable, which helps the film work when it becomes more sincere later on.

2.
Notting Hill (1999)

Okay, so picture this: a pretty glum bookstore guy in London, just kind of drifting through life. Then, boom, Julia Roberts shows up – a massive movie star doing the publicity circuit. It’s basically the ultimate mashup of two rom-com formulas that were *huge* in the 90s. You’ve got the cynical guy who needs a wake-up call, and the beautiful woman who’s looking for something real. And *Notting Hill*? It nails both of those tropes perfectly. Seriously, seeing Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts together in this felt like a major event – like finally seeing Pacino and De Niro share the screen in *Heat*. Some critics at the time thought it was just another cliché-ridden story, wondering if audiences would even *care*. But honestly, the movie didn’t just *use* the clichés, it *mastered* them. It felt like a complete statement on the modern rom-com. And it’s brilliant because it leans into Julia Roberts’ star power – her fame isn’t just window dressing, it’s *part of the story*. Plus, it’s legitimately funny. The movie clearly comes from someone who’s *been* through those ridiculous press tours and understands how absurd Hollywood can be. It’s a really smart, hilarious, and surprisingly perfect movie.

1.
Erin Brockovich (2000)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ELzu636Xf6Y

It’s funny, when this movie first came out, some people—myself included—thought Julia Roberts was *trying* too hard. The film, based on a true story, won her an Oscar, but she played a character so different from her usual roles—a struggling, twice-divorced single mother who uncovers a major environmental scandal—that it was hard not to focus on the actress *playing* the role. It’s a common issue with movie stars; they always bring a bit of themselves to everything they do, and that’s not necessarily their fault—it’s often how we, as viewers, perceive things. But revisiting the film now, her performance feels richer and more nuanced. You can see how deeply she committed to the role while still subtly making it her own.

The movie *Erin Brockovich* is a powerful and often heartbreaking story, but it also has moments of humor and lightheartedness. It features witty dialogue, charming encounters, and fortunate coincidences, all delivered at a brisk pace. This makes it a perfect role for Julia Roberts, who had long been trying to balance her comedic talent with more serious acting. She also brings a genuine warmth to her character, softening the character’s strong will and determination. Ultimately, it’s a deeply empathetic film, and Roberts is at its core.

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2025-10-10 19:05